Water Resource Director - Ruidoso, New Mexico
The position is open until filled.
First review deadline
5 p.m. | May 10, 2026
Ruidoso is seeking a Water Resource Director with a salary range of $79,539 to $100,000.
Please email your cover letter and resume in .pdf format to ApplyRuidosoWater@clearcareerpro.com or APPLY HERE
Faxed and mailed submissions will not be considered.
Kelly Kuenstler, Vice President
Clear Career Professionals|
214)550-2850 Ex 6
kelly@clearcareerpro.com
Brad Stafford, Vice President brad@clearcareerpro.com
Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the Water Resources Director is the Village’s chief steward of water rights, watershed health, water production, and regulatory compliance. This position helps ensure Ruidoso has a sustainable, legally defensible, and high‑quality water supply, no small task in a mountain resort community with tight water constraints. This is a technically demanding position with a fairly broad scope as Ruidoso’s water environment is uniquely complex - mountain hydrology, wildfire impacts, tourism surges, and tight water rights constraints.Strategic and Technical responsibilities include water rights administration, water resource planning, watershed management and water production & wastewater oversight.
Serve as the Village’s point of contact for major state and federal regulators acting as the compliance and regulatory liaison.Data, Reporting and Audit obligations include leading technical research on water quantity and quality, submission of annual conservation and water rights reports to the Office of the State Engineer, conducting the annual water audit and the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, fiscal impact reports, RFPs, grants, and contracts related to water resources.Public Outreach and Conservation by leading public education and outreach on water usage, coordinating compliance and community engagement efforts and overseeing the Village’s water conservation program.
Oversees the Water Production and Wastewater Treatment plant management.
The successful candidate will ensure that the daily operations that fall under their purview align with the Village Council’s vision, department policies and community goals as overseen by the Village Manager. The position will manage and coordinate department projects, monitor department expenditures, and ensure the department’s adherence to federal, state and local laws. The position will further provide data, background information and guidance to the Village Manager and the Public Works Director so that he/she has the confidence to make informed decisions regarding the Village’s water resources and will serve as the Village’s subject matter expert on all water related policy issues.
The holder of the position will be expected to actively participate in the New Mexico Water Resources Association which is aligned with water rights, water policy, and statewide water resource management.As a leader in the organization, this position is expected to demonstrate exemplary character. This position plays an integral role in representing the Village to residents, developers, business owners, members’ of the media, neighboring communities, regional organizations, and state and federal agencies.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Water Resources, Physical Science, or a related field; or a combination of education and experience totaling eight (8) years in a related discipline.
Four (4) years of experience in water resources program administration, including water rights management, permitting, and compliance.
Five (5) years of supervisory or management experience.
Working knowledge of water rights administration, water resource planning, conservation programs, and applicable environmental regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act).
Experience with data analysis, reporting, and use of spreadsheet software for tracking and compliance.Strong communication skills and ability to work with internal teams, agencies, and stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Water Resources, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or related field.
Experience managing municipal water rights portfolios and water conservation or source water protection programs.
Familiarity with AWWA Water Audit Software and regulatory reporting (e.g., OSE).
Experience with watershed management, GIS, and environmental compliance (including NPDES).
Experience with grant writing/administration and public outreach programs.
Background in policy development and coordination with federal, state, and local agencies.
To Apply:
Please email your cover letter and resume in .pdf format to ApplyRuidosoWater@clearcareerpro.com or APPLY HERE
Faxed and mailed submissions will not be considered.
Kelly Kuenstler, Vice President
Clear Career Professionals|
214)550-2850 Ex 6
kelly@clearcareerpro.com
Brad Stafford, Vice President brad@clearcareerpro.com
